Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Imagine sinking your spoon into a fluffy, airy cup filled with sweet, fresh strawberries, enveloped in soft whipped cream, all resting on a delicate biscuit base. That’s what you’ll get with Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream—a delightful dessert that is not only visually stunning but also a feast for the palate. This recipe is exceptional because it brings together the freshness of seasonal strawberries with the comforting warmth of homemade biscuits, making it a hit for any occasion, from simple family dinners to festive gatherings.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and speed. You’ll learn how to create a dessert that looks impressive yet is incredibly easy to assemble. With a few basic ingredients, you can create something that feels special. So whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick treat to surprise your family or a beginner seeking something simple yet elegant, this recipe will guide you in creating the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cups.

What Is Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream?

Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert. Traditionally, a strawberry shortcake consists of layers of biscuits or cake filled with strawberries and cream. In this version, we transform them into individual cups, perfect for serving at gatherings or special occasions. The texture is an enchanting mix of crispy biscuit, juicy strawberries, and rich, creamy topping, creating a balanced dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying.

The origin of strawberry shortcake dates back to the 19th century in America, where it began as a summer treat to celebrate the harvest of fresh strawberries. Its flavor profile is characterized by the sweet and slightly tart strawberries, complemented by the rich and luscious whipped cream, all blanketed by the tender and crumbly biscuit base. Each bite transports you to a sunny afternoon, making it an ideal dessert for both family picnics and elegant dinner parties.

The components work harmoniously together; the strawberries provide a natural sweetness balanced by a hint of acidity, while the homemade whipped cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture. The soft biscuit base holds everything together, resulting in a dessert experience that is not only delicious but also visually inviting. This recipe is perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits and creating a delightful end to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This

There are so many reasons why Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream will quickly become a favorite in your household. First and foremost, the taste is heavenly—sweet strawberries paired with creamy whipped cream create a symphony of flavors in every bite. This is a dessert that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for fresh fruit. The best part is, you can enjoy it guilt-free since you are incorporating fruit into your treat!

Another reason to love this recipe is its ease of preparation. You can whip it together in just about 35 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s a great option for both inexperienced cooks and seasoned bakers who might be short on time. No fancy techniques are required—just a few simple steps will get you to the finish line. The biscuit base can be made quickly, and if you are short on time, you can even opt for store-bought biscuits or sponge cake.

Additionally, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can customize it based on what you have on hand or your guests’ dietary preferences. For instance, you can switch out strawberries for other berries or even peaches if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for creativity in the kitchen, ensuring that you never tire of it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream, gather the following ingredients:

• Fresh Strawberries: Approximately 2 cups, hulled and sliced. They provide natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. You can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries if preferred.
• Sugar: About 2 tablespoons for macerating the strawberries. This enhances their flavor and helps release their juices. Feel free to use alternatives like honey or maple syrup if you wish to reduce refined sugar.
• All-purpose Flour: 1 and ½ cups for the biscuit base. This gives the dessert structure. Whole wheat flour could be used as a healthier substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly.
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons to help the biscuits rise gently. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Salt: A pinch to enhance the flavor of the biscuits.
• Unsalted Butter: ⅓ cup, cold and cubed. Butter adds richness and flavor to the biscuits. You can use a butter substitute if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version.
• Milk: ½ cup, whole or any preferred type of milk. It brings moisture to the biscuit dough. Non-dairy milk varieties work just as well!
• Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup for the whipped topping. The richness of heavy cream is essential for that luscious feel. You can use a lighter cream, but the texture will differ.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for flavoring the whipped cream. Pure vanilla provides a wonderful aroma and a depth of flavor.

This list covers the essential elements of the recipe, each working together to create the delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cups. Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you make informed substitutions or adjustments according to your preferences.

How to Make

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Strawberry Shortcake Cups:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Once clean, hull and slice them. Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar over them. Toss gently and allow them to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This process, known as macerating, draws out the juices and intensifies the strawberries’ natural sweetness, creating a beautifully vibrant topping for your shortcake.
2. Make the Biscuit Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until well combined. Next, add in the cubed ⅓ cup of cold unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it ensures a flaky texture for your biscuits.
3. Add Milk: Pour in ½ cup of milk into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense biscuits. You want a soft but slightly sticky dough that holds its shape when formed. If the dough seems too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Shape the Biscuits: On a floured surface, turn out the dough and gently knead it just a couple of times until it comes together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut out biscuits and place them onto a lined baking sheet. The key to flaky biscuits is handling the dough minimally, so don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped!
5. Bake the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. You can tell they’re done when they look puffed and slightly browned on top. As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with a rich, buttery aroma, which is simply delightful.
6. Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn buttery. The perfect whipped cream will hold its shape while still being fluffy and light. Set it aside until you’re ready to assemble the cups.
7. Assemble the Cups: Once your biscuits have cooled, break them into bite-sized pieces and layer them in serving cups. Start with a layer of biscuits, followed by a generous serving of the macerated strawberries, then a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final swirl of whipped cream on top. For added aesthetics, you can garnish each cup with a strawberry slice or a mint leaf.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Your Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream are now ready to serve! Delight in the textures and flavors as you dig into these delicious cups. They’re best enjoyed immediately after assembly while the biscuits are still slightly warm and the cream is light and airy.

These step-by-step instructions not only guide you through the process but also offer sensory notes to enhance your cooking experience. You’ll find that each step builds excitement, leading you to enjoy a well-deserved treat!

Variations & Substitutions

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cups: Imagine the lusciousness of chocolate combined with sweet strawberries. For this variation, add cocoa powder to the biscuit mix, or create a chocolate biscuit base. This version is perfect for chocolate lovers and can elevate the dessert experience. Additionally, you can drizzle melted dark chocolate over the whipped cream or even incorporate chocolate shavings for an added flair.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake: If you’re looking to make this dessert gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many stores now stock fantastic gluten-free flour mixes that will yield great results. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. This adaptation ensures everyone can indulge in this delightful dessert without the worry of gluten sensitivities.

Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cups: To create a plant-based version of this recipe, opt for vegan butter and a non-dairy milk, like almond or coconut milk. For the whipped cream, use coconut cream or a store-bought vegan whipped topping. This version appeals to those following a vegan lifestyle and still allows you to enjoy those luscious strawberry shortcake flavors.

Berry Mix Shortcake Cups: Want to take your flavor to the next level? Try mixing various seasonal berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries with strawberries. Each type of fruit adds its unique flavor, creating a more complex and delightful fruit layer in your shortcake cups. This variation is ideal for summer gatherings when berries are at their peak.

Compact Cups for Meal Prep: For busy weeks, consider making a large batch of the biscuits and macerating the strawberries in advance. This means you can assemble them quickly throughout the week. Prepare portioned cups in your fridge, and you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to indulge in at a moment’s notice without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen during hectic days.

These variations not only provide alternative flavor profiles but also cater to dietary preferences and needs. This versatility is a beautiful aspect of this dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While preparing Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream, keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure perfect execution every time.

Over-mixing the Biscuit Dough: This is perhaps the most common mistake made when preparing biscuit-based desserts. Overworking the dough can lead to tough and dense biscuits instead of light and flaky ones. Always remember that less is more when mixing!

Skipping the Macerating Process: One of the key aspects of this recipe is allowing the strawberries to macerate with sugar. Skipping this step means you’ll miss out on the heightened flavor and sweetened juice from the strawberries. This juicy layer is essential to the overall experience, enhancing flavor and creating a delightful syrup.

Improperly Measuring Ingredients: Baking is a science, so precise measurements count! Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to get accurate results. Too much flour can lead to dry biscuits, while insufficient sugar can cause blandness.

Inadequate Cooling Time: Once baked, allow your biscuits to cool adequately before assembling your cups. If they are too warm, they can melt the whipped cream, resulting in a mess rather than beautifully layered cups. The slight cooling enriches the flavors and maintains the layers distinct and delicate.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Cups, making them even more delightful and enjoyable. Your attention to detail will pay off beautifully when your guests rave about your delicious dessert!

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

When it comes to storing Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream, it’s essential to consider the ingredients to maintain quality. If you have leftovers, you can store the assembled cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the whipped cream will start to lose its light texture and may weep, so it’s best to store the components separately if possible.

To store the biscuits, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container, where they will last for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you need a longer shelf life, you can freeze the uncooked dough. Form the biscuits, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Whenever you crave a fresh shortcake, simply bake them directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!

For the macerated strawberries, it’s best to use them within a day of preparation for optimal flavor and texture. If stored, place them in a sealed container in the fridge where they can last for about 2-3 days. Their vibrant, juicy allure may diminish over time, so you want to enjoy those fresh flavors while they last!

In summary, proper storage techniques can help you extend the life of your Strawberry Shortcake Cups while maintaining their quality and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; however, it is best to thaw and drain them beforehand. Frozen strawberries can be mushier and may not retain the desired texture compared to fresh ones. Always check for any extra juices and adjust the sugar accordingly when macerating them.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream for the whipped topping?
While heavy cream is preferred for achieving a rich and creamy texture, you can substitute it with lighter creams or alternatives like coconut cream. Keep in mind that this may change the texture and flavor, so it’s advisable to use heavy cream for the best results.

How can I make my biscuits fluffier?
To create fluffier biscuits, be sure to use cold ingredients, especially the butter. Keeping cold butter in the dough creates steam pockets while baking, resulting in a lighter and flakier biscuit. Avoid overmixing, and ensure not to roll the dough too thin for optimal rise.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
You can prepare certain components in advance, such as the biscuit base and the macerated strawberries. However, for the best presentation and taste, it’s advisable to assemble the cups just before serving. This keeps the whipped cream from becoming soggy and ensures your dessert remains visually appealing.

What can I serve alongside the Strawberry Shortcake Cups?
These delightful cups pair well with various accompaniments. You could serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence or alongside freshly brewed coffee or tea. They also make for a beautiful addition to brunch tables or summer picnics.

Conclusion:

Strawberry Shortcake Cups with Fresh Cream are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are bound to impress your family and friends. With easy steps to follow, you can create an elegant dessert that fits any occasion, offering deliciousness and visual charm. You can customize it based on personal taste and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a scoop of happiness.

I invite you to try this recipe today, experiment with your own variations, or even share it with friends. The joy of creating something special in the kitchen is truly rewarding, and what’s better than enjoying something made with love? Dive into the world of strawberry shortcake, and watch as it becomes a family favorite!